Williamfleminghigh School

Name:______

WilliamFlemingHigh School

2016-2017

Junior Planning Guide

“TO ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS, WE MUST NOT ONLY ACT, BUT ALSO DREAM; NOT ONLY PLAN, BUT ALSO BELIEVE.”

-Anatole France

LNA 2008

Junior Planning Guide

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………………3-5

Graduation requirements—Where are you?

JUNIOR YEAR CHECKLIST………………………………………………………………….6-7

What you should be doing during your junior year

Testing Dates (SAT and ACT)

MAJOR PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL…………………………………..8-11

Four year colleges

Military Branches

Alternate continuing education opportunities

The world of work

THE COLLEGE SEARCH………………………………………………………………………………12-15

Factors to consider

Tips, suggestions, etc.

College comparison chart

NCAA Eligibility Requirements

WFHS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT…………………………………………………….16

Contact Information

WFHS JUNIORS! CLASS OF 2018!

Congratulations!! You are half way through your high school career! You must continue to work hard for the last two years, as high school graduation will be here before you know it. If you have not started, it is time to begin exploring your options beyond high school.

Do you want to go to college? Do you want to attend a trade or vocational school? Are you interested in joining a branch of the military? Would you prefer to enter into the workforce?

Your counselor is here to help you explore these options and make informed decisions, so be sure to visit your counselor as often as possible!

Let’s Get Started!

Questions you should be able to answer:

I have a total of credits towards graduation.

I will need the following courses in order to graduate:

I am working towards an Advanced Studies Standard Diploma.

I have passed verified credits (SOLs) in English, in Math,

in Science, and in History. The total number of verified credits that I have passed is .

I will need to pass the following SOL tests to graduate:

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

for High School

Advanced Studies / Standard Diploma
Course / Units of Credit / Verified Credits / Units of Credit / Verified Credits
English / 4 / 2 / 4 / 2
Math / 4 / 2 / 3 / 1
Science / 4 / 2 / 3 / 1
History / 4 / 2 / 3 / 1
Health/PE / 2 / 2
Foreign Language/Fine Arts or Career/Technical / 3 of 1 or 2 of 2 to meet Foreign Language Requirement Plus 1 Fine or Career/Technical / 2
Finance / 1 / 1
Sequential Electives / 2
Other Electives / 3 / 6
Student Selected SOL Test / 1 / 1
TOTAL / 26 / 9 / 22 / 6

JUNIOR YEAR CHECKLIST

Fall

___ Meet with your counselor

Get started on the right foot by talking with your school counselor at the beginning of the year. Bring any questions you might have about college planning, and create a game plan for your next steps.

___Begin searching for colleges that match your interests and abilities. A good resource for college searches is

___Attend College Night at the Salem Civic Center in September. Obtain information and talk with representatives from over 100 colleges.

___Keep your grades up!! In most cases, colleges’ first impression of you is your transcript, which includes your grades through the end of your junior year.

Winter

___ Look more closely at all the colleges you are considering and try to narrow down the list to just those you would like to visit. Talk with your family and your counselor.

___ Look ahead and determine which date you want to take the ACT or SAT. Consider how you will get ready for the tests and whether taking a preparatory course is a good idea for you.

Spring

___Register to take the SAT and ACT tests. You may register for these tests online at (for SAT) or (for ACT). It is a good idea to take these tests at least once during your junior year. See Miss Moore in main guidance for a fee waiver

___If you plan to play sports in college, be sure to complete the NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse application before the end of your junior year. You must do this to be eligible to play sports in college.

____Visit college campus

2016-2017 SAT I & SAT II

Test Dates

TEST DATES / TEST / REGISTRATION DEADLINE / LATE REGISTRATION
(Late fee applies)
October 1, 2016 / SAT I & II / September 1, 2016 / September 20, 2016
November 5, 2016 / SAT I & II / October 7, 2016 / October 25, 2016
December 3, 2016 / SAT I & II / November 3, 2016 / November 22, 2016
January 21, 2017 / SAT I & II / December 21, 2016 / January 10, 2017
March 11, 2017 / SAT I ONLY / February 10, 2017 / February 28, 2017
May 6, 2017 / SAT I & II / April 7, 2017 / April 25, 2017
June 3, 2017 / SAT I & II / May 9, 2017 / May 24, 2017

*William Fleming High School’s school code is471955.

**Denotes the tests current juniors should sign up for

*Register at

*Test fees are as follows:

--SAT I: $54.50

--SAT II: $26.00

--Add an additional $26.00 for Language with Listening

--Late registration fee: $28.00

--Waitlist registration fee: $46.00

*Fee waivers are available for students that qualify. See Miss Moore in Main Guidance.

2016-2017 ACT

TEST DATES

TEST DATES / TEST / REGISTRATION DEADLINE / LATE REGISTRATION
(Late fee applies)
September 10, 2016 / ACT / August 7, 2016 / August 19, 2016
October 22, 2016 / ACT / September 16, 2015 / September 30, 2016
December 10, 2016 / ACT / November 4, 2016 / November 18, 2016
February 11, 2017 / ACT / January 13, 2017 / January 20, 2017
April 8, 2017 / ACT / March 3, 2017 / March 17, 2017
June 10, 2017 / ACT / May 5, 2017 / May 19, 2017

William Fleming High School’s school code is 471955.

*Register at

*Registration fees are as follows:

--ACT (No Writing): $39.50

--ACT (With Writing): $56.50

--Late registration fee: $25.00

*Fee waivers are available for students that qualify. See Miss Moore in the Main Guidance Office.

MAJOR PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Four year colleges

*Are you interested in attending a four year college? There are many different factors to consider, based on your interests and intended career path beyond college.

What are colleges looking for?

Good question!! Most colleges will be looking for the following:

1. Challenging coursework—this should continue through your senior

year; Admissions representatives want to see that you have taken challenging courses and that you did not “slack off” during your senior year.

1. GPA/Class Rank—It does make a difference!
2. SAT &/or ACT scores—Each college is different with regards to standardized testing requirements; Consult the individual college’s website or The College Handbook for this information.
3. Extra-curricular/Community Activities—More is better!
4. Leadership Abilities &/or Awards/Honors
5. Recommendations—Ask teachers, community leaders, & other people that can speak highly of your abilities and qualities.
6. Personal Statement/Essay—This is your chance to show

admissions staff who you are and what you have to offer.

US Military Branches

The United Stated Military trains men and women so that they can serve and protect our country. The military offers a good salary and free job training, provides discipline and structure, and opportunities for career advancement and travel. You may choose to join a particular branch of the military and then go to college to further your education. Most military branches will fund your education while you serve.

If you are interested in a branch of the military, you should sign up to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) when it is offered at WFHS or other area locations. The ASVAB consists of eight individual tests on a variety of subject areas. The military uses your ASVAB scores to help identify occupations that best suit your abilities.

*There are several military branches, all of which have different requirements, benefits, and careers. Visit or to find out which branch may be right for you.

You can also visit websites for each individual branch. The websites are listed below:

US Army/Army National Guard or

Marine Corps or

Navy or

Air Force/Air Guard or

Coast Guard or

Two Year/Trade Schools/Apprenticeships

*What is the difference?

--Two year school—An educational institution that offers a two

year program of study that is generally equal to the first two

years of a four year undergraduate program. One example of a

two year school in the RoanokeValley is Virginia Western

Community College.

--Trade School—A secondary school that offers instruction in

skilled trades, also known as vocational school. Examples of

trade schools in the Roanoke Valley include Skyline College,

National College, ITT Tech, & Miller-Motte Tech.

*Make sure that the school you are considering is an

accredited institution.

--Apprenticeship—A paid or unpaid field-based experience with a

supervising instructor where the apprentice receives job training,

work experience, and technical training. Programs can last

from 1-6 years.

*For more information about two year and/or trade schools, see your counselor or visit the Career Coach. You can also visit the following websites:

*For more information about apprenticeships, see your counselor or visit the Career Coach. You can also visit the following websites:

THE WORLD OF WORK

**Schedule an appointment with the WFHS Career Coach, Tammy Woods, to discuss possible career options beyond high school.

*You may also visit explore possible careers.

*You may decide to obtain part time work while you are still in high school. It is always a good idea to look for jobs that fit your interests and skills.

There are many resources available in the RoanokeValley to help you find a job or career that is right for you.

The Virginia Workforce Development Center is a great resource for job searches. The center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am until 4:30pm. You can also visit the center website at or

Consult the Roanoke Times for the latest job openings in the area. You can visit their website at or purchase the Sunday newspaper weekly for updated openings.

*There are numerous temporary job agencies in the area that will help place you in a job that suits the skills and experience that you have. In many instances, those jobs can turn into permanent employment with the company where you are placed. Consult the Career Coach, your counselor, or the Yellow Pages for a listing of temporary job agencies in the area.

*Always remember that although you may not be interested in or suited for a four year institution, there are many opportunities and options available to you. It is very important to continue your education, in some way, throughout life.

THE COLLEGE SEARCH

There are many factors to consider when searching for the college that best suits you. Be sure to carefully compare colleges to determine the place that you will be happiest and successful. Try to narrow down your choices, then compare/contrast, visit, and determine which schools you want to apply to at the beginning of your senior year.

Important Factors to Consider When Selecting a College:

1. Size

--Teacher accessibility

--Class size—student/teacher ratio

--Leadership opportunities

--Areas of specialized study—Do they have your major?

--Diversity

--Personal atmosphere—Do you feel comfortable? Are the

current students happy there?

2. Location

--Urban/suburban/rural—Where are you most comfortable?

--Near/far from home

--In state/out of state—Consider the cost for out of state

3. Academic match—What are the entrance requirements?

--Academic pressure/challenge of other students—You may

no longer be the “top dog”

--Academic vs. social emphasis—focus on academics!

4. Public vs. private

--Initial cost of private college offset by scholarships, aid, etc.

--Cost of private college is the same in or out of state

5. Costs to consider

--Myths: High cost=quality; High cost=unaffordable (Not true!)

--Actual cost + incidentals (travel, food, spending money)

6. Activities

--Sports, intramurals, etc.

--Greek (fraternities & sororities)

--Clubs/organizations and volunteer opportunities

7. Coed/single sex

--Consider leadership opportunities at each

--Competition between fellow students is different

8. Atmosphere—VISIT!!!

--Plan ahead—schedule appointments with admissions reps, and

financial aid reps, talk to current students, eat in the

cafeteria, sit in on classes, visit the dorms

*Comparing colleges is important. Remember that there is no perfect college, so look for several where you feel you can succeed. Be sure to get input from several sources (current students, alumni, your counselor, college admissions reps, and published information).

*Make a list of high and medium interest schools then list the pros and cons of each. (See page 14 for a comparison chart.)

*Narrow down your choices to 4-6 schools to which you want to apply at the beginning of your senior year. Choose schools in the following categories:

*First Choice: This is your ideal school, the school where you really

want to go. It may be a long shot or a school to which you will

have a “fighting chance”.

*Second Choice(s): These are schools that you are interested in

and can see yourself attending if you do not get accepted to your

ideal school.

*Last Choice: This is the “safe bet” school, or the school to which

you are sure to be admitted. You may choose to attend this

school, maintain at least a B average, and try to transfer to your

ideal school.

*All of the colleges that you are interested in should be schools that you would like to attend, and that have the programs you are interested in. You should not select a college based on friends, etc., but on the factors listed above. Your counselor can help you narrow down your choices.

COLLEGE COMPARSION CHART

COLLEGE NAME
Location
-Distance from home
Size
-Enrollment
-Size of campus
Environment
-Type of school
-Urban/rural
-Coed/single sex
Religious affiliation
Admission Requirements
-Deadlines
-Test scores required
-GPA, courses, etc.
Academics
-Is your major offered?
-Accreditation
-Teacher/student ratio
-Class size
Housing
-Residence hall requirement
-Meal plan
Activities
-Clubs, organizations
-Greek life
-Athletics, intramurals, etc.
-Other
Campus Visits
-When
-Special opportunities
Financial Aid
-Deadlines
-Required forms
-% receiving aid
-Scholarships available
College Expenses
-Tuition, room & board
-Estimated total budget
-Application fee, deposit

NCAA ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

FOR COLLEGE BOUND ATHLETES

*If you plan to play sports in college, you need to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. Ideally, this should have taken place before the end of your junior year. However, if you still need to register, you can go to and complete the registration process.

**All eligibility requirements can be accessed by visiting the NCAA Clearinghouse website.**

*Once you have completed the application for eligibility online, be sure to see Mrs. Morgan in the Main Guidance Office to request that your transcript be sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse. The NCAA can not declare you as eligible until they have this information.

*Athletes who want to go to a Division I or Division II college must have a minimum GPA in a specified number of core courses. Students must also meet the SAT or ACT required scores.

--ACT/SAT score requirements for Division I colleges are based on a sliding scale. (The higher the core GPA, the lower the test score that is required, and vice versa.)

*Please see your athletic coach or Nicole Adams (WFHS Counseling Coordinator) with questions and concerns regarding NCAA Eligibility.

WFHS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

The Counseling Department at WFHS is committed to helping you succeed. You should visit your Counselor as often as possible to discuss any issues, questions, concerns, etc. that you may have.

“Tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

-African Proverb

Counselor listings by alphabet:

A—Di Camper Hall Sarah Williams (540)853-2019

Do—J Hart Hall Toni Jewell (540)853-2024

K—Ri Smith Hall Tyrone Graves (540)853-1875

Ro—Z Coulter Hall Elizabeth Gillespie (540)853-2022

ELL & Governor’s School students:

Main Guidance Office Liz Ahlfield (540)853-2021

Registrar: Kim Harlow (540)853-1881

Secretary: Deanna Morgan (540)853-2892

Counseling Coordinator: Jacqui Moore (540)853-6227

HAVE A GREAT JUNIOR YEAR!!!! 

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